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| The Annular Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. Unlike a total eclipse, the Moon is at it's furthest point from Earth, appearing smaller and leaving a "ring of fire" around the sun. The eclipse will only cover about 10 percent of the sun in Montreal on Saturday, starting at 12:11 PM. (NASA Photo) |
Most of North America will be treated to an Annular Solar Eclipse this Saturday, October 14. The Annular Eclipse, unlike a total eclipse, leaves a ring of light visible as the Moon passes between the Earth and Sun. The reason for this is that the Moon is currently at its furthest from Earth and does not completely cover the Sun. The path of near totality will stretch from Oregon to Texas, across parts of northeastern Mexico as well as sections of Alaska and the Caribbean.
All of Canada will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, with the best presentation of the eclipse in British Columbia. Vancouver will be at 80 percent peak, around 11am local time. The percentage of the Sun covered by the Moon will lower from west to east across the county, with the lowest impact in Atlantic Canada.
In Montreal, we will only experience around 10 percent of the sun blocked by the moon. The show will begin around 12:11PM, reach maximum around 1:17PM and end by 2:23PM. Despite it being only a partial eclipse, you should always protect your eyes and never stare directly at the sun. Eye damage can occur in seconds. Special viewing glasses are available on Amazon, and they would not be a bad investment. Montreal is only months away from the spectacular total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024.
The best way to view the eclipse on Saturday, will be at NASA.gov, which will be live-streaming the event from various locations in the path of near totality.
As far as the weather is concerned for viewing in Montreal this weekend, after a week of unsettled weather and plenty of rainfall, skies should be fair for Saturday, with temperatures near normal, 15C (59F).
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